1 suspect arrested, 1 hanged himself after allegedly killing man because he was a 'cop caller'

SPRING HILL, Fla. (TCD) -- One suspect reportedly hanged himself and another is in custody after they allegedly attacked and killed a man for being a "cop caller" and disrespecting women.

According to a news release from the Hernando County Sheriff's Office, on Monday, Jan. 15, shortly before 7 p.m., deputies received a call to conduct a welfare check on William Trudell at a home on Elkin Avenue. A family member reportedly contacted the sheriff's office and claimed William Croft killed Trudell.

Deputies went to the home to search for Croft, but Dustin McMillan answered the door. He allegedly locked the door to stop deputies from entering, though he eventually allowed them in and said Croft was not home.

A sheriff's office deputy went into the backyard and discovered Croft dead, "hanging from a tree."

Upon further search of the area, deputies found a trail of drag marks leading from the side garage door of the home to Trudell's body in a nearby wooded lot.

According to the sheriff's office, McMillan admitted to officials that he and Croft had been drinking alcohol when they "devised a plan to attack Trudell." McMillan reportedly said he and Croft were angry with Trudell "for being a 'cop caller' and disrespecting women in the home."

When Trudell entered the garage, McMillan reportedly said he and Croft "ambushed him and killed him." A family member saw the body shortly after and immediately left the home, according to the sheriff's office.

McMillan and Croft allegedly carried Trudell's body to the wooded area where he was found, cleaned up the garage, and tried to destroy evidence.

According to the sheriff's office, at the time of Trudell's death, Croft was under the supervision of the Florida Department of Corrections, but he had removed his tether, which officials found in the backyard.

Police allege shortly after cutting off the monitor, Croft and McMillan tried to dispose of the evidence. Then, they said Croft hanged himself.

Officials arrested McMillan on one count of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence. He was booked into the Hernando County Detention Center and remains held without bond.

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• Spring Hill Men Attack, Kill Acquaintance - Hernando County Sheriff's Office
• Hernando County Detention Center Records